Cream Tea at Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden, Kirtlington

I’ve been really excited to share this post, ever since I shared some snippets on my Facebook page and Instagram feed. I found out about Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden through Ashley’s granny, who had visited with family last year. She really sang the praises of Jane, the garden itself and the food on offer – and mentioned months back that we all must visit (she knows I’m a lover of afternoon tea). At the time, booking was permitted, which was ideal as we’d be a big party of eight (including two of Ash’s aunts, my mum and Alfie).

However, as time got closer, it transpired that we weren’t able to book, unless we were ordering the Full Jeeves (Jane’s take on afternoon tea). We had already decided on cream tea and maybe even one of the many delicious cakes that Jane freshly bakes. We would have to turn up on the chosen day and chance it – hoping there would be a table to accommodate us. Then came the next obstacle, choosing a date. Last year, the tea was incredibly popular and ran every weekend; but this year it ran every third weekend of selected months. Saturday 18^th August worked for us all and so we decided to go then – arriving well in advance of the 12pm opening time to join the queue and secure a table. They say bad luck comes in threes and in the weeks leading up to our afternoon, it transpired that Jane wouldn’t be making cakes, so we would just be having cream tea with scones – but not to worry!

The afternoon finally arrived and we turned up to Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden at around 11:20am. We parked about half a mile down the road and walked up to the gate, where we were the first in line – perfect! It really is a hidden gem and the photos (I took) don’t do it justice at all. We were collected just after midday and went in search of a table.

The veranda was reservation only for the Full Jeeves, while we were taken along the canal, where Jane’s narrow boat was moored. We sat along the canal on a large-ish table, but had to move some chairs from other tables in order for us all to sit. Alfie even wanted his own seat. It was a beautiful spot, so serene – and behind me was the dove house, with birds surrounding it. We were thankfully sheltered from the sun by the large trees.

We had to go up to the counter to order our cream teas (£7.50pp for two scones, a pot of clotted cream, strawberry jam and tea or coffee). There were plenty of teas to choose from – Lisa and I shared a pot of rooibos, while everyone else opted for breakfast tea (and shared two pots between five). Before we chose our teas, we had to choose our scones and there was a choice of plain or fruit. As the serving was two, I went for one of each, as I knew I’d be sharing with Alfie too. We each got a pot of Cornish clotted cream and then we shared four pots of jam between us.

The scones were really good, although they didn’t stay warm for long – especially once cut. But despite their size (or varying size... I may have chosen a huge one), they weren’t dense or doughy and surprisingly light. They were a hit with Alfie, who had half a plain scone, a quarter of a fruit scone and went on to find whatever scraps he could. Once the scones were gone, he moved on to eating the jam out of the pots with the teaspoons.

Even though it was busy, with every table occupied, being by the water was so serene and you couldn’t hear other conversations, so it felt like we were the only ones there. The furniture was quirky and mismatch, but added to the charm of the garden – I loved it, especially the swing chair covered in a duvet! It was lovely that Jane came over to the table to make sure we were okay and having a good time – she even said we were at her favourite table!

You’re not able to book the Full Jeeves for the rest of the year now, with this month the final month of the Tea Garden being open. Next year will be slightly different – bookings for the Full Jeeves only. Opening on Saturday evenings (7pm) and Sunday afternoons (2pm), there will be the usual delights, as well as a bar and music. It sounds simply fabulous!

Love, Lucy xx

Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden - Mill Lane, Kirtlington OX5 3HW
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